US Finally Implements Nationwide 3rd COVID Vaccine Dose... Janssen Recipients Also Considered (Update)

US Authorities Request Booster Shot Vaccination via Statement
Concerns Over Accelerating Global Vaccine Shortage

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] U.S. health authorities have decided to administer 'booster shots' to recipients of Pfizer, Moderna, and Janssen vaccines starting from the 20th of next month. President Joe Biden is also expected to directly address the necessity of the third dose.

On the 18th (local time), U.S. health authorities stated in a press release, "Due to growing concerns over the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant and data showing waning immunity after completing vaccination, we urge Americans who have received two doses to get a third vaccine dose."

Approximately 155 million people who have received two doses of Pfizer and Moderna's mRNA vaccines are eligible for the third dose. The third dose will be the same vaccine as previously administered, not a mix-and-match approach.

The third dose will be given eight months after the second dose. The U.S. government explained that preparations are underway to begin additional vaccinations starting from the 20th of next month, which is eight months after the first Pfizer vaccine dose.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which had denied the necessity of a third Pfizer vaccine dose back in July, has reversed its position.

Moderna and Pfizer announced research findings showing that although virus antibodies are maintained six months after completing two vaccine doses, their levels decline.

The U.S. FDA is also reviewing whether to provide additional doses to recipients of the single-dose Janssen vaccine, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. Authorities explained that while precise information is lacking, it is highly likely that booster shots will be necessary for Janssen vaccine recipients.

U.S. health authorities have already started administering third doses to immunocompromised individuals.

As the U.S. decides to proceed with booster shots, concerns are expected to grow that the global vaccine supply shortage may worsen.

One day earlier, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki expressed the view that vaccine supply to the world and booster shots can be conducted simultaneously.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.